The Nigerian Army has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of over 200 abducted Chibok School girls by disputed Boko Haram leader, Abubabar Shekau.
The Army made the call in response to the video released yesterday by Shekau, in which he reiterated the terrorist group’s demand for a swap deal.
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman, stated that the video has shown beyond all reasonable doubt, the earlier suspicion that Shekau is mentally sick and unstable.
He added that the ranting is also another sign that the end is near for him which is part of the signs of all wicked people.
Usman said the Nigerian Army assures the public that they should not be bothered by the contents of the video clip.
SEE ALSO: Alas! Embattled Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Resurfaces In Video
He said it is public knowledge that the military has been making concerted efforts to clear the remnants of the militants and rescue all persons held hostage by them especially the abducted Chibok Secondary School girls.
He said this is a task that will be accomplished, no matter how long it takes. We are determined in this regards. Already thousands of persons have been rescued by troops from the group.
Usman added that the video has further shown that he has derailed and no longer believes and practices the Islam he professes to follow.
The Army spokesman insisted that the disputed terrorist leader was absent at the last Eid prayers video, noting that it is equally reported that he could not even lead prayers.
Usman said: “No nation or society would believe him or any Boko Haram terrorist based on antecedent and as he has shown over times to be irrational and therefore unreliable especially when it comes to negotiations on the release of the abducted girls”.
“Therefore, he [Shekau] must release them unconditionally”, he said.
He also assured Nigerians and residents of Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna and Zaria not to panic, stating that the military has what it take to defend them and deal decisively with the remnants of the Boko Haram group.
He stated that: “We are just counting down to the day when all the few remnants will be totally wiped out or brought to justice.
“However, a window still exists for the repentant ones among them to lay down their arms and surrender to justice”.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters yesterday said it is immaterial whether Shekau is alive or not.
The spokesperson for the DHQ, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar
Abubakar said the military is not bothered if Shekau is alive, explaining that the most important task is to finish what the military is doing decimating Boko Haram in the North East.